Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2007 – 9:45 p.m. -- Update #3

STORM DAMAGES REPORTED

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received the following reports related to the severe storms that moved through Oklahoma March 29. Damage assessments are underway in many areas. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) officials remain in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. There are no requests for state assistance at this time.

Weather Summary: Thunderstorms developed across much of Oklahoma on Thursday producing a tornado in far western Oklahoma City. Flooding is also possible due to repeated storms moving over the area. A flash flood watch has been issued for much of Oklahoma. The severe weather threat will continue into Friday with the potential for another active severe weather day.

Injuries

5 injuries reported in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Oklahoma City Fire officials report 2 individuals were transported to Oklahoma City area hospitals due to injuries sustained when their vehicles were blown off the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Fire officials also report a seven-year-old Oklahoma City girl treated for cuts and lacerations at an Oklahoma City hospital. EMSA officials report 2 individuals with injuries were transported to an Oklahoma City area hospital after their travel trailer was heavily damaged near Wilshire and the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

Power Outages

Currently about 400 OG&E customers are without power statewide. The majority of the outages remain in western Oklahoma City. OG&E officials report 30 to 50 distribution poles and three transmission towers were damaged by the storm.

HUMAN SERVICES

Officials with the American Red Cross, Central Oklahoma and Canadian Valley chapters, have volunteers and Emergency Response Vehicles at the scene. They are feeding victims and first responders and completing damage assessments in the damage area. Anyone needing assistance is urged to contact the American Red Cross at (405) 228-9500.

The State EOC is utilizing the 2-1-1 system as a resource for non-emergency information services. 2-1-1 is the number to call for access to non-emergency health, human service, and disaster related information. Just dial "2-1-1" from any phone in 36 Oklahoma Counties (see the lists below where 2-1-1 is available). Phones are answered 24/7/365. If you are calling from a rotary dial telephone or large phone system, such as PBX, please access 2-1-1 services through the 10-digit telephone numbers listed below. If your county does not have 2-1-1, contact local emergency management officials or the American Red Cross for assistance.

For assistance in Comanche County, please call Helpline (580-355-7575) -

Note that 2-1-1 is not active in Comanche County at this time.

DAMAGE REPORTS

Piedmont Emergency Management reports minor rooftop damage to some homes. Some out buildings were damaged and destroyed.

Oklahoma City Emergency Management reports about 50 structures damaged, including 6 homes with major damage, 6 homes with moderate damage and numerous homes and outbuildings that sustained minor damage.

Oklahoma City officials continue to operate a joint command post in northwest Oklahoma City. In addition to Oklahoma City fire, police and emergency management, Oklahoma County Emergency Management, Canadian County Emergency Management and Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) are also assisting at the command post. Oklahoma City Fire officials report the tornado touched down around 4 p.m. at Northwest 39th Street, just west of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. It tracked to the north, staying on the west side of the Kilpatrick Turnpike and traveling along Morgan Road to Northwest Expressway.

OHP reports damage to residences and outbuildings in eastern Canadian County near the Kilpatrick Turnpike and Wilshire Boulevard and further points north.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reports two cars and a tractor trailer were blown off the road on the Kilpatrick Turnpike near Northwest Highway. Toll booth structures and signage sustained minor damage.